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Add page to: Add page to: In our search to find something in Adelaide to do that did not centre around eating and drinking we discovered... croquet. Those of us who have already had a go have discovered it is actually a really fun game that is not *just* for old people... it is kind of like a cross between Golf, eight-ball/pool, lawn bowls, bocce/petanque.
You do NOT need any croquet experience and don't require any prior knowledge about croquet in order to attend the 'Have a go' sessions - you simply need to RSVP and show up (feel free to ask friends along).
To get to the South Terrace Croquet club follow East Terrace which after it meets South Terrace will practically become Beaumont Rd. Go as far as you can on Beaumont Road until there is no more road and just parkland. You are there. It is near the Racecourse.
Soft drinks are available for purchase. Tea and coffee are also available.
We have been on one particularly hot day and the turf was pretty shaded and despite expectations it turned out to be very pleasant. We were also there on one rainy day and just went into the club house until it stopped raining, so don't let the weather deter you too much.
Anyone is eligible to join in - no previous croquet experience required. ALL of these sessions are pay as you go and there is no obligation for you to join the club as a member, though you are welcome to do that if you desire. The sessions are run by members when there is enough interested parties and for as long as club members are happy to continue giving up there time.
You will need to contact the club to get dates and times when you can have a go. You can get in touch with them via the South Australian Croquet Association.
If you've arranged to go and find you can't make it, please let the club know as club members ONLY go to'have a go' sessions if they know people are coming. This way they won't end up going out and setting up the courts for nothing.
First-timers are taught how to use the mallet and hit balls and how to hoop balls and then will be given a game of Golf Croquet. After you have learned the basics you will get a game of Golf Croquet (simple game). If there is time, you may also get a game of Aussie Croquet (a bit more complex than Golf Croquet) where you learn some tricky techniques.
Those have already been at least once before will get a game of either Golf Croquet or Aussie Croquet. These people may be given some advanced training in different strokes and techniques prior to the game.
Cost $5-10 (you may also need to pay green fees which are $3-5 per session)
You must have played Club Golf at least once before to be eligible to join the club game.
From time to time the club extends an invitation to all of those of you who have had at least one game of Golf Croquet in the 'have a go' sessions to join in a club game of Golf Croquet.
You must be at the club prior to the start time. If you are going to turn up but will not be able to make it before the start, let them know so that you can be included in the draw. Please be punctual as this is a club game and not the casual 'have a go' scenario.
Please RSVP directly to a club member if you are interested in joining one of the club games.
There is a draw to select who your playing partner for the evening will be.
Play is usually on half courts, which makes the chance of roqueting a ball easier. There are 2 fifty minute games with a different partner for each game.
$5 (you may also need to pay green fees which are $3-5 per session)
For those who have caught the croquet bug and are interested in joining the club, there are two types of membership available.
I forget the actual price of mallets but know they are over $200 each. The club does have a sales rep for at least one type of mallet and I am sure Betty, Nan or John could provide more information. You can also purchase second hand mallets.
If you become a member you will need to get your own mallet but Betty said you can use some of the club equipment while you are making up your mind on what mallet will be best for you so long as you do not take forever to do so.
If you want to look at getting mallets and balls just to muck about at home, I saw some sets (6 mallets + balls and hoops) in Rowan Jarman for ~$160 and single mallets for ~$50. They advised that these are generally only available around Christmas but may be available at other times of the year, depending on stock.
South Terrace Croquet Club
PO Box 7182
Hutt Street Post Office
Adelaide SA 5000
South Terrace Croquet Club
Beaumont Road
Adelaide SA 5000
To get to Beaumont Road, just get on East Tce and head South. Beaumont Rd is the extension of East Terrace once you go past the East Tce/Sth Tce corner.
The club does not have a telephone number or email address and instead contact is direct with members. You can, however get in touch with the club via the South Australian Croquet Association.
I have been communicating mostly with John and Nan by email and only used telephone numbers to confirm that sessions were going to go ahead when weather was more extreme.
Updated: 30 Jan 2004